Buoyant holder and buoyant holding system

ABSTRACT

A buoyant holder and buoyant holding system are disclosed. The buoyant holder includes an inner portion, a plurality of outer portions extending outward from the inner portion along a common plane, each of the plurality of outer portions comprising two contiguous surfaces forming an acute angle, an upper surface spanning the inner portion and the plurality of outer portions, a lower surface spanning the inner portion and the plurality of outer portions, at least one aperture disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface and configured to support an object.

BACKGROUND

Recreational activities often include the enjoyment of food, beverages, and games in and around water, such as a swimming pool, river, or other body of water. Conventional buoyant carriers, such as floating cup holders, allow users to rest a container, such as a beverage in a cup or container, on the water surface while relaxing, socializing, exercising, and/or participating in a game or other recreational activity. However, such conventional floating cup holders do not provide a stable platform for the cup or container being held. Small waves or water surface disruptions often cause the conventional buoyant carrier to wobble, rotate, and/or flip over, spilling the contents of the cup or container. Additionally, such conventional buoyant carriers are often inflatable plastic structures that provide relatively poor insulation of the contents of the cup or container. Finally, conventional buoyant carriers have limited utility as they are usually designed to merely carry a cup or other container.

Therefore, there exists a need for a buoyant holder and buoyant holding system that provides stability for an object or container being held by the buoyant holder or buoyant holding system. Further, there exists a need for a buoyant holder and buoyant holding system that provides enhanced insulation for the object or container being held and provides enhanced utility for the user.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a buoyant holder is provided. The buoyant holder includes an inner portion, a plurality of outer portions extending outward from the inner portion along a common plane, each of the plurality of outer portions comprising two contiguous surfaces forming an acute angle, an upper surface spanning the inner portion and the plurality of outer portions, a lower surface spanning the inner portion and the plurality of outer portions, at least one aperture disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface and configured to support an object.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a buoyant holding system for supporting an object in an upright position is provided. The system includes a buoyant holder having a plurality of outer portions extending outward from the inner portion along a common plane. Each of the plurality of outer portions includes two contiguous surfaces forming an acute angle. The buoyant holder further includes at least one aperture disposed between an upper surface of the buoyant holder and a lower surface of the buoyant holder and configured to support the object in the upright position. The system further includes a tether coupled to the buoyant holder restraining the movement of the buoyant holder when the buoyant holder is disposed in water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The embodiments described herein and other features, advantages, and disclosures contained herein, and the manner of attaining them, will be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a buoyant holder in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a buoyant holder in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a buoyant holder in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a buoyant holder in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a buoyant holding system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a tether in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a buoyant holding system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a buoyant holder in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, and not by way of limitation, such specific embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Reference is now made to FIG. 1, which discloses a buoyant holder 10 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The buoyant holder 10 includes an inner portion 12 and a plurality of outer portions 14 extending radially outward from the inner portion 12. Each of the plurality of outer portions 14 includes two contiguous surfaces 16 forming an acute angle 18. The buoyant holder 10 further includes an upper surface 20 spanning the inner portion 12 and the plurality of outer portions 14 and a lower surface 22 spanning the inner portion 12 and the plurality of outer portions 14. In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, at least one aperture 24 is disposed between the upper surface 20 and the lower surface 22.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the buoyant holder 10 of one or more embodiments includes three outer portions 14, as illustrated in FIG. 2, four outer portions 14, as illustrated in FIG. 3, five outer portions 14, as illustrated in FIG. 1, or any other number of outer portions 14. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the buoyant holder 10 of one or more embodiments includes a plurality of apertures 24. The buoyant holder 10 of one or more embodiments includes any number of apertures 24. In an embodiment, the plurality of apertures 24 includes a number of apertures 24 equal to the number of outer portions 14 of the plurality of outer portions 14. With reference to FIG. 1, as one non-limiting example, the buoyant holder 10 of one embodiment includes five apertures 24 and five outer portions 14.

In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one aperture 24 is configured to support an object 26. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the apertures 24 of the buoyant holder 10 includes a cylindrical opening 28 connecting the upper surface 20 and the lower surface 22. In an embodiment, the at least one aperture 24 and/or the cylindrical opening 28 includes a corrugated internal surface 25. In one or more embodiments, the cylindrical opening 28 supports the object 26 by interference fit. The buoyant holder 10 of one or more embodiments is configured to support the object 26 in an upright position with the one or more apertures 24. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in an embodiment, such support of the object 26 in an upright position is accomplished by only contacting one or more substantially vertical side surfaces 30 of the object 26 when the buoyant holder 10 is in a buoyant state in water, as described in further detail below.

Referring now to FIG. 4, as identified above, each of the plurality of outer portions 14 includes the two contiguous surfaces 16 forming the acute angle 18 at each outer portion 14 to stabilize the buoyant holder 10. As illustrated in FIG. 4, when the buoyant holder 10 is disposed in or on water, waves contact the buoyant holder 10 from a first side 32 of the buoyant holder 10. The contiguous surfaces 16 of the outer portions 14 redirect the wave energy outward, as illustrated by arrows 34, thereby reducing the amount of wave energy impacting the buoyant holder 10 from a perpendicular direction. Such redirection reduces undesirable tilting, rotating, or rocking of the buoyant holder, as indicated by arrows 36, caused by the perpendicular impact of wave energy. Stability of the buoyant holder 10 is further enhanced with the outer portions 14 acting as outriggers in one or more embodiments. Each of the embodiments described herein benefit from the stability features of both the geometry of the outer portions 14 to redirect wave energy and the function of the outer portions 14 acting as outriggers.

Referring again to FIG. 5, a buoyant holding system 38 is illustrated in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The buoyant holding system 38 includes the buoyant holder 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the one or more apertures 24 are configured to support a cylindrical container 40 as the object 26 extending beyond both the upper surface 20 and the lower surface 22, as illustrated in FIG. 5. The cylindrical container 40 includes, in non-limiting embodiments, a cup, can, bottle, or other container.

The buoyant holder 10 of one embodiment is constructed of a foam or similarly porous material. In such an embodiment, the buoyant holder 10 provides enhanced thermal insulation for the object 26 or container 40.

In one or more embodiments, any low density plastic closed-cell foam material is utilized for the buoyant holder 10. One or more of these materials may include polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyethylene, including extruded polyethylene, poly methyl chloride, styrene, cellulose, wood and expanded polystyrene or expanded polyethylene. In one or more embodiments, polystyrene and polyethylene derived materials are utilized, are impervious to water-logging, and can continue to float indefinitely. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure include a buoyant holder 10 that is molded, cut, extruded, or otherwise formed in a variety of colors.

In an embodiment, the buoyant holder 10 is made of a material having a density of 3 pounds per cubic foot, or 0.047992 grams per cubic centimeter. In an embodiment, the buoyant holder 10 is made of a material having a density of 4 pounds per cubic foot. In one or more embodiments, the buoyant holder 10 is made from a material having a density in the range of 1-10 pounds per cubic foot. A material having a density of 4 lbs. per cubic foot will cause the buoyant holder 10 to sink further in the water by approximately 30 percent over a material having a density of 3 pounds per cubic foot.

The buoyant holding system 38 further includes a tether 42 coupled to the buoyant holder 10. The buoyant holding system 38 of one or more embodiments includes a plurality of tethers 42. The tether 42 restrains or impedes movement of the buoyant holder 10 when the buoyant holder is floating, in a buoyant state, or otherwise disposed on or in water. As referenced in the present disclosure, the term “water” may include such non-limiting examples as water in a swimming pool, spa, hot tub, lake, ocean, river, stream, pond, or other liquid area or container.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the tether 42 extends from one or more apertures 24. As illustrated in further detail in FIG. 6, the tether 42 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 is coupled to a tether frame 44 positioned at least partially in the aperture 24. In one embodiment, the tether frame 44 is coupled to the buoyant holder 10 via one or more hooks 46 at one or more ends 48 of the tether frame 44. In the embodiment, the one or more hooks 46 are inserted into the upper surface 20 of the buoyant holder 10, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In an embodiment, the tether frame 44 or another device is coupled to or near one or more of the openings 28 to support one or more of the objects 26.

The tether 42 of an embodiment further includes an anchoring member 50 disposed at a distal end 52 of the tether 42. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the anchoring member 50 of an embodiment includes an anchoring container 54 configured to hold one or more anchoring objects 56. In one or more embodiments, the anchoring container 54 is a pouch, sack, or other container configured to hold one or more anchoring objects 56. Such anchoring objects 56 include objects having a density higher than the density of the water in/on which the buoyant holder 10 is positioned. In one embodiment, the one or more anchoring objects 56 includes rocks, sand, or any other object or objects having a density greater than water.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the tether 42 of one embodiment does not include the anchoring container 54, but includes an anchoring attachment end 58. The anchoring attachment end 58 is disposed at the distal end 52 of the tether 42 and is configured to be coupled to a dominant object 60. The dominant object 60 includes, as non-limiting examples, a raft, inner tube, personal floatation device, boat, vessel, watercraft, or any other buoyant object, or a dock, railing, piling, wall, ladder, or any other stationary structure or object. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the various means and structures to be utilized to couple the anchoring attachment end 58 to the dominant object 60 or for the tether 42 to be coupled to the buoyant holder 10, including fastener, integral formation, adhesive, interference fit, knotting, or wrapping or tie means and/or structures, and such means and structures form part of the present disclosure. Although not illustrated, the tether 42 of one or more embodiments is coupled to a person's wrist, arm, leg, ankle, waist, or any other portion of the body or apparel. As further illustrated in FIG. 7, the tether 42 of one embodiment is coupled to the buoyant holder 10 at the lower surface 22 of the buoyant holder 10.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the buoyant holding system 38 of an embodiment includes a vertically extending member 62 having a lower portion 64 configured to be coupled to one of the one or more apertures 24 and an upper portion 66 disposed above the upper surface 20. In one or more embodiments not shown, a plurality of vertically extending members 62 are coupled to a plurality of apertures 24 in the buoyant holder 10 such that the lower portion 64 of each vertically extending member 62 is coupled to an aperture 24 and the upper portion 66 of each vertically extending member 62 is disposed above the upper surface 20.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of buoyant holders 10 is provided and each of a plurality of vertically extending members 62 is coupled to one or more apertures 24 of each of the plurality of buoyant holders 10. In one embodiment, the plurality of buoyant holders 10 and plurality of vertically extending members 62 are utilized as individual posts in a game of ring toss or a similar recreational activity. Each of the plurality of buoyant holders 10 may be coupled to one or more tethers 42 in accordance with any embodiment discussed herein such that the movement of each buoyant holder 10 having a tether 42 is reduced or restricted.

In a further embodiment, a plurality of objects 26 may be positioned in one or more buoyant holders 10. One embodiment includes a buoyant holder 10 assigned to each player or team in a game. A plurality of cylindrical containers 40 is positioned in a plurality of apertures 24 for each buoyant holder 10 in the game of one embodiment. The buoyant holders 10 of one or more embodiments are utilized for a game of basketball, cups, quarters, beer pong, or any other individual player or team game or similar recreational activity. In one embodiment, each of the buoyant holders 10 includes one or more tethers 42 to form the buoyant holding system 38 in accordance with any embodiment described herein.

In an additional embodiment of the present disclosure, a mobility module (not shown) is coupled to the buoyant holder 10 to enable the buoyant holder 10 to propel across the water. In one embodiment, the mobility module includes an engine or motor operating via a power source that includes one or more electric batteries, one or more liquid or solid fuels, one or more renewable energy sources such as wind via a turbine or sail or solar via one or more photovoltaic cells. In one or more embodiments, the mobility module includes a propulsion device coupled directly or indirectly to the engine or motor, including but not limited to a water propeller, a water wheel or paddle, and an air propeller. In one or more embodiments, the mobility module includes a directional control member, including but not limited to a rudder or a propulsion device rotation actuator.

The mobility module further includes a control module. The control module of an embodiment includes a signal receiver configured to receive a control signal transmitted from a distant or nearby location. In an embodiment, the control signal is a radio frequency signal transmitted by a radio frequency transmitter. The control signal may be any signal sent via electromagnetic wave, including but not limited to radio waves and infrared waves.

The control module of the mobility module of one or more embodiments includes an autonomous control module. The autonomous control module of an embodiment includes a global positioning system (GPS) module. The GPS module of an embodiment is configured to transmit and receive GPS signal data. In an embodiment, the GPS module transmits GPS signal data including geographic location data based on the position of the buoyant holder 10. Further, the GPS module receives GPS signal data including geographic location data based on the position of the buoyant holder 10 and/or other objects in or near the water. The GPS signal data of one embodiment is transmitted to the control module to actuate control of the location, heading, velocity, or other function of the buoyant holder 10.

The autonomous control module of an embodiment includes a proximity control module. In an embodiment, the proximity control module senses via one or more sensors objects near the buoyant holder 10. The one or more sensors may include infrared, sonar, radar, laser, mechanical, or any other type of sensor. The proximity control module receives proximity sensor data relating to relative position, heading, and/or velocity of the buoyant holder 10 and/or position of objects or surfaces near the buoyant holder 10. The proximity sensor data is transmitted to the autonomous control module to actuate control of the location, heading, velocity, or other function of the buoyant holder 10.

In one or more embodiments, the control module is configured to return the buoyant holder 10 to a holder base when a voltage or other energy level of a battery or other power source of the buoyant holder 10 is below a predetermined threshold. In one or more embodiments, the autonomous control module and/or the proximity control module control the location, heading, velocity, or other function of the buoyant holder 10 upon returning the buoyant holder 10 to the holder base.

While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure. 

I claim:
 1. A buoyant holder comprising: an inner portion; a plurality of outer portions extending outward from the inner portion along a common plane, each of the plurality of outer portions comprising two contiguous surfaces forming an acute angle; an upper surface spanning the inner portion and the plurality of outer portions; a lower surface spanning the inner portion and the plurality of outer portions; and at least one aperture disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface and configured to support an object.
 2. The buoyant holder of claim 1, wherein the plurality of outer portions includes three outer portions.
 3. The buoyant holder of claim 1, wherein the plurality of outer portions includes four outer portions.
 4. The buoyant holder of claim 1, wherein the plurality of outer portions includes five outer portions.
 5. The buoyant holder of claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture includes a plurality of apertures.
 6. The buoyant holder of claim 5, wherein the at least one aperture includes a corrugated internal surface.
 7. The buoyant holder of claim 5, wherein the plurality of apertures includes a number of apertures equal to a number of outer portions of the plurality of outer portions.
 8. The buoyant holder of claim 1, further comprising a vertically extending member having a lower portion configured to be coupled to the at least one aperture and an upper portion disposed above the upper surface.
 9. The buoyant holder of claim 1, further comprising one or more tethers extending from the at least one aperture.
 10. The buoyant holder of claim 1, further comprising one or more tethers configured to extend downward when the buoyant holder is disposed in water whereby the one or more tethers restrain movement of the buoyant holder.
 11. The buoyant holder of claim 1, wherein the at least one aperture is configured to support a cylindrical container extending beyond both the upper surface and the lower surface.
 12. A buoyant holding system for supporting an object in an upright position, the system comprising: a buoyant holder having a plurality of outer portions extending outward from the inner portion along a common plane, each of the plurality of outer portions comprising two contiguous surfaces forming an acute angle, the buoyant holder further having at least one aperture disposed between an upper surface of the buoyant holder and a lower surface of the buoyant holder and configured to support the object in the upright position; and a tether coupled to the buoyant holder and restraining the movement of the buoyant holder when the buoyant holder is disposed in water.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of outer portions includes three outer portions.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of outer portions includes four outer portions.
 15. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of outer portions includes five outer portions.
 16. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one aperture includes a plurality of apertures.
 17. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of apertures includes a number of apertures equal to a number of outer portions of the plurality of outer portions.
 18. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one aperture includes a cylindrical opening connecting the upper surface and the lower surface.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the cylindrical opening includes a corrugated internal surface.
 20. The system of claim 12, wherein the buoyant holder is configured to support the object in the upright position within the at least one aperture only through contact with one or more substantially vertical side surfaces of the object when the buoyant holder is disposed in water.
 21. The system of claim 12, wherein the tether extends from the at least one aperture.
 22. The system of claim 12, wherein the tether includes an anchoring member disposed at a distal end of the tether
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the anchoring member includes an anchoring container configured to hold one or more anchoring objects. 